Author: Marry Me Tofu is so creamy and flavorful, that it might inspire a proposal! This easy delicious recipe takes just 30 minutes to whip up. Serve this vegan tofu recipe over pasta, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for a meal that will win everyone's heart. 💞
FEATURED COMMENT:
Five stars are not enough. It's a 10! This recipe is in my regular rotation and I look forward to it. The only complaint is there are no leftovers! - Marg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Inspired by the trending Marry Me Chicken recipe I decided to make a vegan version of this dish using tofu. If you're new to cooking tofu, check out my Tofu 101 guide for all the basics on pressing, seasoning, and getting that perfect texture. Tofu is torn into pieces (which gives it a chicken-like texture), then lightly floured and then pan-fried to make it crispy and golden. Then a simple garlic cream sauce is made complimented with sun-dried tomatoes and basil. This creamy dish is so delicious that making it for your partner might just lead to a surprise proposal!
But it's not just for lovebirds. This tofu recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and perfect for a family dinner. You won't believe how easy it is to whip up with just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes of your time. So, whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, get ready to fall in love with Marry Me Tofu!
Ingredients in Marry Me Tofu:
Tofu: I like to use extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Drain the tofu, but there is no need to press it. Pressing the tofu removes excess water, but in this case we want to keep the moisture so the tofu is tender and juicy once it's cooked. I like to tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces which gives texture much more similar to chicken, and the rough texture grips the sauce better.
Flour: I use all-purpose flour but if you are gluten-free you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch.
Vegan Cooking Cream: these days, many stores carry vegan heavy cream options made from ingredients such as oats, cashews, or coconut which are great for cooking and using in this recipe. If you want a homemade option, try my recipe for hemp cream or cashew cream (omit any sweeteners or flavorings). Another option is full-fat coconut milk (the kind in the can), but note the sauce will have a coconut taste. You can also use your favorite plain plant-based milk, just make sure it is one that is high in fat so that it doesn't split.
Nutritional yeast: nutritional yeast has a cheesy flavor so I like to add it to the sauce. If you prefer you could substitute it for equal amounts vegan parmesan or omit it completely.
Sun-dried tomatoes: add a ton of rich tomato-y flavor. If you are not a fan you could try substituting them for roasted red peppers.
Spices and seasonings: Fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper make the sauce rich and full of flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Tofu:
Add the tofu, flour, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl and gently toss to evenly coat the tofu in the flour mixture.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the tofu pieces discarding any extra flour. Fry the tofu for a few minutes per side until golden brown all over. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Return the pan to the stove and reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until it just starts to brown. Pour in the vegetable broth and use your spoon to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan while stirring. Add the vegan cooking cream, nutritional yeast, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and salt. Mix well, bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.
Return to the tofu to the pan with the sauce and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Heat through and cook a few minutes more.
Garnish with the basil and serve hot over pasta, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.
Marry Me Tofu is...
- creamy, flavorful, and delicious
- easy to make
- so delicious it might inspire a proposal
More tofu recipes that will make hearts melt:
- Easy Peanut Tofu
- The Best Air Fryer Tofu
- Easy Sticky Teriyaki Tofu
- Tofish & Chips
- Baked Tofu Bites
- Tofu Bolognese
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Marry Me Tofu
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Ingredients
For the tofu:
- 1 block (350g/ 12.3oz) extra-firm tofu, drained, and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, (gluten-free if preferred)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Marry Me Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup vegan heavy cream, (see notes for options)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, (reduce or omit if you don't like spice)
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt, (or to taste)
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if in oil and chopped
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Add the tofu, flour, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl and gently toss to evenly coat the tofu in the flour mixture.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the tofu pieces discarding any extra flour. Fry the tofu for a few minutes per side until golden brown all over. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Return the pan to the stove and reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until it just starts to brown. Pour in the vegetable broth and use your spoon to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan while stirring. Add the vegan cooking cream, nutritional yeast, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and salt. Mix well, bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.
- Return to the tofu to the pan with the sauce and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Heat through and cook a few minutes more.
- Garnish with the basil and serve hot over pasta, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.
Amity Noble says
This was so easy to make and SO yummy! Even my meat loving husband gobbled it up. This will be one of my "go to's" for regular dinners. Thank you for helping me turn this meat eating family into one that is now loving vegan recipes. We went vegan for one year and sadly lost interest but now that I've found your blog we plan to eat vegan a few nights a week and gradually increase 🙂
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh that's wonderful! So happy you're enjoying my recipes so much! Thank you for the review. And so happy you're enjoying plant-based recipes again 🙂
Silver says
YUM!! Sooo easy to make and soo delicious! My husband and I used to love this dish called cajun shrimp from Moxie’s and this is soo much better. I love love love the crusty flour tofu, thought of using cornstarch but the flour makes it irresistible! Had mine over pasta and my husband preferred it over rice. Making it again tonight because I finally got some good fresh basil. Thanks Sam!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh yay! So thrilled you loved it so much Silver! I love the flour on tofu too- makes it taste so chickeny. Thank you for the review 🙂
Sandra says
Sorry this was awful. Maybe should be called Good thing we’re already married tofu. Tasteless even with the garlic and chili flakes. Hopefully still nutritious.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Sandra, sorry to hear you didn't enjoy the recipe. With ingredients like garlic, nutritional yeast, oregano, thyme, salt, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, it’s designed to be packed with flavor. Did you perhaps make any adjustments or substitutions? I ask because this recipe is rated a 4.95 from 158 reviewers, so it’s been a favorite for many. I'd love to help troubleshoot.
Anne Elise Crafton says
I always prefer coating my tofu in cornstarch for extra crispiness! Love this recipe.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you enjoyed it!!
Laura says
Wow, wow, wow! This is delicious! I also added mushrooms and it gave a nice earthy taste to it. It is a keeper and now, I am married with this wonderful sauce forever and ever.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha love it!! Thrilled you enjoyed it Laura 🙂
Kathy says
Just finished this — it was delicious!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you loved it Kathy!
KD says
Hmm it was ok, the store only had firm tofu not extra firm so took a little longer to cook the pieces and I thought the sauce was sweet tasting though it Could’ve been the nondairy cream I used (kalifa). Ate it with white rice which I had left over but it would probably go better with pasta.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi KD, there is no sweetener in the sauce so you are right that the sweetness must have come from the non-dairy creamer you used. Try one without added sweetener next time. Also I recommend extra-firm tofu for the best texture. 🙂
Karen B says
OMG! Thanks so much for the recipe Sam. I made this tonight and we absolutely loved it! I had it with pasta and fresh asparagus and it was the bomb! Will definitely be making it again regularly 🙂
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That sounds terrific!
mary recio says
Besides your bubbly personality I love many of your recipes. It is hard to narrow down my favorites, but this Marry Me Tofu is one of my two very favorites.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks for your kind words, Mary!
Deedee says
oh this was so good!! I'm glad I cut the chili flakes to half. It still had quite the kick but I loved it. Next time I think I will press the tofu to have a more toothsome bite. I made your cashew cream! It was awesome!! Will definitely make again!❤️
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We're happy you liked it and plan to make again!
Joan says
My daughter loves your recipes. She made this for us for a dinner party and I asked for it for our Thanksgiving too. She follows the recipe as posted, using plant-based oat milk .... and it was excellent.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Beautiful! We're so happy to hear it!
Emma says
Since going vegan I haven’t had comfort food that was actually thís comforting. And so easy to make! I made it with cashew cream, red onions and a little left over spinach, I was out of tofu so added chickpeas instead. Super versatile and sooooo soft and creamy. Love it!!!!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wonderful, thanks for your review!
H.P. says
Wow! This was amazing. made this with your cashew cream (also amazing!!!) and even my Omni partner liked it. I mixed it with Penne it was amazing. gave the recipe to my sister to try it was so good! lots of fresh shredded basil on top, just really tasty!
If this one is in one of your cookbooks I would love to know which one, as I would definitely buy it!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We love that you liked it so much! This recipe is exclusively online so you're in the right place right here. 🙂
Binky says
Question please? Could I use silken tofu for the creamy sauce instead of nuts or coconut? Would that work or be too much tofu? Thanks so much for the recipe
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yes you could try that. The sauce won't be quite as creamy but should still be delicious, enjoy!
Binky says
Thanks! I decided to make a baked cheese cake using the silken tofu ♀️ and I prepared your recipe as it is posted, using cashews for the creaminess. You can tweak this recipe and it remains delicious. Truly, it is one of the best tofu recipes I have ever tasted. It will become a favourite at our place . It will make a fabulous Alfredo sauce too. Very versatile recipe that will sub for many savoury dishes requiring a creamy base.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing your review!
Vivienne says
What a wonderful comfort dish! It really does taste like chicken! We made this tonight and put it over quinoa and we definitely are putting it into our weekly rotation for fall and winter. Thank you so much!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That's wonderful!! So thrilled you enjoyed it so much Vivienne!
Serena says
Super easy and flavourful tofu recipe! My cooking cream was a bit too heavy so I think next time I'll use the soy cooking cream. Besides that it's a great dish!!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That's great - thanks for sharing your review!
Erin McNamara says
Oh my gosh, I finally made a marry me dish and it doesn’t disappoint!! This is so good! I used cashew cream and put it over crispy smashed potatoes but could see it on pasta too for sure. It was super easy to make and I will definitely make it again!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Marvelous! We're thrilled you enjoyed it!
Marcia says
We made this for the first tine last night, definitely not the last! I used 1 can of coconut milk and some almond milk. We also added 3 cups of veggies (mushrooms, spinach, onion, red peppers) to the pan 5 mins before the garlic. SO comforting and delicious. Leftovers today were just as good, if not better!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Terrific! We're happy you liked it AND the leftovers!
Karen ML says
Sam this dish was creamy & delicious I served over rice but next time I’m thinking linguine! Thanks for another fantastic recipe
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yum! That sounds tasty too!
Amy says
Delicious! I think I’ll dream about that wonderful sauce tonight!